The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra is one of the leading orchestras in the world. Time and time again, critics have lauded its unique sound, which clearly stands out among thousands of others across the world. While the exceptional acoustics of the Concertgebouw also play an important role, no other orchestra sounds like the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in the Main Hall

Special guest conductor Iván Fischer

On February 28 and March 1, Iván Fischer conducts an all-Stravinsky programme. The colourful ballet Petrushka is preceded by the Concerto in D or ‘Basel Concerto’ for strings and the Capriccio for piano and orchestra, featuring soloist Emanuel Ax.

Use promotional code RC19IEXPAT to receive a discount of 25% when you buy tickets.

Of the guest conductors of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Iván Fischer is the true veteran. Having made appearances for the last thirty years conducting some of the world's most prestigious orchestras, Fischer has always continued to do what first earned him fame: shining a new light on what are often regarded as familiar compositions.

World-renowned pianist Emanuel Ax

Pianist Emanuel Ax is another welcome guest with the orchestra. Together, they focus on both well-known and lesser-known works by Igor Stravinsky: one work each from the composer's Russian, French and American periods.

About the composer Igor Stravinsky

Stravinsky understood all too well that innovation and tradition go hand in hand. His Concerto in D uses Baroque music as a model, yet still has a typically angular, Stravinsky-like sound. With his colourful ballet Petrushka, Stravinsky placed ancient Russian folklore in an ultra-modern context. The infrequently performed Capriccio is one of the few works Stravinsky wrote for soloist and orchestra, but is diametrically opposed to the Romantic solo concerto: instead of pathos, there are crackling sparks between piano and orchestra.

A special IamExpat discount

Use promotional code RC19IEXPAT to receive a discount of 25% when you buy tickets for the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra concerts on February 28 and March 1.